Framber Valdez was scratched from his scheduled start against the Texas Rangers on Monday night because of left elbow soreness.

The Houston Astros said Valdez played catch Sunday and reported soreness in the elbow.

The 30-year-old was sent back to Houston for further evaluation, but the club hasn't placed him on the injured list.

"We just want to see what the doctor says," manager Joe Espada said. "And we'll go from there."